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She sat down at the table. “Care to tell me why?”
I licked my lips. “Because what’s happening is dangerous, and I don’t want you anywhere near it.”
“And what if I want to stay with you?”
“What if you fail your classes if you start missing them?”
She waved her hand in the air. “Missing one day won’t hurt. I’m two weeks ahead in my homework and my reading, anyway. No tests. No quizzes. I’ll be good.”
“Dani, this isn’t what you--”
“I’m staying with you, and that’s final.”
I looked over at John and he held up his hands.
“Don’t look at me. I’m just serving up food.”
Dani sipped her coffee. “Besides, someone’s going to have to help you around today. You can barely stand up straight.”
I glowered. “I don’t need help standing.”
John cleared his throat. “I mean, you are standing a bit crooked right now.”
Dani held her arm out. “See? Even your own brother sees it.”
I held back a sigh. “I have business to attend to today. Red Thorn business. Business you can’t be part of.”
John butted in. “Have you called a formal meeting? Or an informal one?”
“Will you shut the hell up?”
Dani set her cup down. “Please take me with you.”
That innocent little twang of hers strummed at my gut. Tugged at my heartstrings. I looked over at her and saw her eyes growing wider. Begging me. Urging me to take her along.
“Dani, I can’t.”
“Please?”
I shook my head. “I’m serious. I can’t risk you getting hurt.”
John snickered. “I’m pretty sure the guys like her more than you at this point. They certainly won’t let her get hurt.”
“You’re not helping, brother.”
“I am helping. Just not you.”
Dani nodded. “Thank you, John.”
He grinned. “Any time, girl.”
I shook my head. “What the hell is going on?”
Dani stood. “Please, Max. Take me with you. I’m worried about you. And if I go back to campus, the only thing I’m going to do is bombard you with text messages until I know you’re okay again. I won’t be able to focus on my studies, so I’ll miss the lectures anyway. Me being on campus doesn’t mean I’m going to be productive. Max, listen to me.”
She took my hands and I already felt myself succumbing to her warmth.
“Take me with you. Let me help. I’m not as weak as you think I am.”
